Good times...

David was up and out early to play golf at Leven with Keith.  I had a more leisurely start to the day.

After lunch I went to the studio to finish mounting the final two paintings for the woman from the village where I grew up.  All eight paintings are now ready so D can drop them off at her house on Tuesday night after his singing rehearsal.

D returned from golf (he's currently 10th in the competition they played in, Keith is second) and it was time to get ready to meet up with Keith (same Keith) his wife Mairi and his sister Jude who is home from Australia.

What a great night!  Pre-dinner drinks then a fabulous dinner at the River House in Stirling.  It was so good to see Jude.  When we saw her last year she was on an emergency visit home as her elderly mum was very ill.  It was great to see her in happier times.

We've all been friends for at least 35 years.  We all went to the same school although K & M were the year below us and Jude the year above but we didn't get to know each other till a couple of years after school.   Jude and Mairi used to be the the singing group David is in.  Of course D sees Keith all the time for golf and I see Mairi fairly regularly, but it's rare for us all to get together with Jude.  

Lots of laughter tonight.  I love how we all fall into step with each other no matter how long it is since we've spoken.  Jude has recently retired after almost 40 years as a ICU cardiac care Sister.  A very stressful job, especially during covid.  She used to laugh when she heard retired people say they didn't know how they found time to work, now she's saying it herself.  

She did have a little wobbly moment as she left work on her last day.  When she reached the sliding door at the main entrance of the hospital the realisation hit her that as soon as she stepped over the threshold, she was no longer a member of staff.  Her long and successful career behind her.  She says she hesitated for a brief moment then took a large step physically and metaphorically into her future.  And she has never looked back! 

Jude insisted on a selfie and I have stolen it as my blip as I think this is the one and only photo of us all together.  Well apart from the one a waitress took of us all at the end of the night, but we don't look as fresh in that one! :-))

Great to see you Jude.  Look forward to getting together again (hopefully) next year!